Probe blames fishermen for senseless activities
Investigators have categorically accused a group of fishermen of destructive activities by lighting fires around Nangli camp under Chandpai Range of the Sundarbans on March 1, 8 and 9.
A group of fishermen lit the three recent fires at the place under East Wing of The Sundarbans Forest Division (SFD) to clear the area for fishing during the rainy season, said the probe committee report submitted to DFO (East) Mihir Kumar Dey on March 27.
Meanwhile, the authorities of Sundarbans Forest Division has declared Nangli camp area under Chandpai Range of SFD as 'No fishing zone' until further orders as suggested by the probe committee headed by the Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Md Khalilur Rahman.
The two probe committees, both headed by ACF Md Khalilur Rahman, were formed on March 2 and 10 to investigate the March 1, 8 and 9 fire incidents that caused extensive damage to different species of trees including sundari, goran, gewa, bayeen and shingra grown on about three acres of land.
The probe committees that submitted reports on findings on the basis of recorded statements of the people of other professions living in villages adjacent to Nangli forest camp suggested prompt action to stop recurrence of such subversive fire incidents, DFO Mihir Kumar told this correspondent.
It could not be expected to identify the fishermen who were involved in the three separate fire incidents as the alleged fishermen are among a large number of people who enter the forest every now and then for fishing purpose, the DFO said.
"But we will strictly enforce our decision of declaring the Nangli camp area as 'No-fishing zone' and will not spare anyone from facing legal action in case of violation," he asserted.
A total of 16 fire incidents occurred in Sharankhola and Chandpai ranges under East Wing of Sundarbans Forest Division from 2002 to March 9 this year, causing serious damage to forest resources and creating adverse situation for different species of animals in areas of the world's largest mangrove forest, said sources of the forest division.
The reports of probe committee have suggested creating awareness among the people to stop such frequent fires and setting up of a well equipped fire station in the forest with experienced men.
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